Could a master’s-level district nursing apprenticeship help solve workforce woes?

Stephanie Jones-Berry

Posted 13 November 2018 - 12:20

There's still time for nurses to influence proposed new route into district nursing careers

There's still time for nurses to influence proposed new route into district nursing careers

Picture: iStock

Nurses are being urged to air their thoughts on plans for a new master’s-level apprenticeship in district nursing that could ease workforce shortages.

The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) wants the profession to respond to a consultation on an approved new route into district nursing, which it says could bring new funding to district nurse education.

The planned level 7 apprenticeship standard is in development and if approved will include non-medical prescribing and be funded through employers that would be eligible for the apprenticeship levy.

'It's vital nurses contribute to consultation'

QNI director of nursing programmes Sue Boran said: ‘It is vital that nurses contribute to this consultation, in order to capture the most important information to be included in the apprenticeship standard.

‘We believe this will be an attractive proposition for employers and for nurses developing their career, and a way of tackling the current shortages in the workforce.’

An employer-led group that has been developing the apprenticeship standard includes 45 NHS trusts, community interest groups and private healthcare companies.

Acting executive director of nursing at Leeds Community Healthcare and Leeds GP confederation Steph Lawrence, who is leading this trailblazer group said: ‘The trailblazer group is looking forward to reviewing the feedback, which will help inform the development of this important new apprenticeship.’

The consultation being run by Skills for Health, which helps to develop apprenticeship standards for the healthcare sector, is open until Friday 16 November.